You know all those races that say they're great PR courses? Well, the ORRC Y2k is one race that can make surpass that claim and say they're a GUARANTEED PR course.

That's because the Y2k distance changes every year. In 2012 it was 20.12k, in 2012 it will be 20.13k ... that's right - every year the distance matches the year, with a nicely placed decimal point. Here are the vitals:

Liana Bernard finishing the 2011 ORRC Y2k - her coach, Joel Gordon, is in the background on his bike.Kelly Barten

Register: Register online for the 20.13k for $30 and for the 10k for $25, or DOR from 8a-9a. ORRC members save $5 when signing up ahead of time.

In 2013, the longest distance at the Y2k (20.13k) translates to 12.5 miles. The route takes you along country roads outside of Forest Grove, with only a few rolling hills (and one wicked hill right at the finish). There is also a 10k - this is the first race in the 2013 ORRC 10k Series; and your last chance to sign up for the series.

All the races start out in front of Tom McCall Elementary School in Forest Grove. Read more about the beautiful course in my recap of the 2010 Y2k 20.10k run. Since the 10k shares much of the same route as the longer run, you can get a good idea of both courses from that recap.

Volunteer Mark Barretts provides pre-race instructions to the field at the 2012 ORRC Y2k.Julia Reisinger

There are many reasons to consider adding this race to your plan. First of all, it's a great way to get your long run in on a supported course with other runners. Add in a warm-up and cool down and it's easy to stretch the 12.5 mile course into a 16 mile run for your spring marathon training. Second, it's an ORRC race. ORRC is a non-profit organization that places the focus of their races on safety, accurate courses, and keeping registration costs low - so you'll have a great race without breaking the bank. Volunteer Race Director Barb Schimmel does a great job with this race! Finally, even though it is still a long run in January ... there's ample space inside the school to stay warm before the race plus plenty of restrooms for your pre-race potty break.

In addition to those great race-related reasons, there are pancakes. Yes, pancakes. All finishers get a plate of pancakes served up by the Hagg Lake Harriers to enjoy during the awards ceremonies. The top three finishers in each age group for both the 20.13k and the 10k will receive a medal.

I also mentioned it's the last chance you'll have to sign up for the ORRC 10k Series for 2013. The 10k Series lets you participate in 7 ORRC 10k races for only $135, plus you get a sweet tech shirt or jacket. (ORRC members can sign up for only $100. Tip: Join ORRC for $30 at the same time, save $5, and get all the other benefits of an ORRC membership!) It's pretty sweet - you sign up for the series and you're automatically registered for all the races in the series, which include the Y2k, the March 2nd Champoeg 10k, the May 4th Hagg Lake 10k, the May 27th Up the Lazy River in West Linn, the August 10th Garlic Festival in North Plains, the September 2nd Wildwood Trail Trial, and the September 28th Best Dam Run in Estacada.